This past March, KISS bassist Gene Simmons had announced he is offering a pricey “Ultimate Gene Simmons Experience” package on his current solo tour, giving fans with deep pockets the opportunity to be his roadie for a day.
While the idea garnered some criticism, one fan – retired corrections sergeant Dwayne Rosado – took Simmons up on the offer, splurging on the package and joining the musician’s road crew for his show in New Jersey on May 5th.
Rosado, who brought his son Zach along for the experience, says it was worth every penny.
“You only live once, and I want to experience life. I’m not going to die with a lot of money. I’m going to die happy,” he told the New York Times.
The “Ultimate Gene Simmons Experience” included a soundcheck with the band, a meal with Simmons, a roadie experience, and getting to hang out in Simmons’ backstage dressing room.
During the concert, Simmons even brought Rosado and his son onstage to introduce them to the audience.
“It felt awkward, because I have a whole crowd in front of me, and all I wanted to do is hug him. I didn’t care about anything else that was going on,” Rosado said.
“Nothing can beat tonight. It’s cemented in Kisstory now, because it’s going to be on YouTube and everything else. So I’ll get to look back and see that moment forever.”
According to the New York Times, however, Rosado and Zach didn’t do too much actual roadie work. They did, though, spend quite a bit of time with Simmons – during which, the musician reportedly praised Rosado for his parenting and for keeping his son Zach away from illicit substances, and shared with Zach the story of how he lost his virginity.
As for the experience’s hefty price tag, Simmons explained to the New York Times: “There’s free market, supply and demand. People want to do it, you do it. You buy a Rolls because you want a Rolls, but a Volkswagen will get you there, too.”
